Crop circle

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Aerial View of the Crop Circle in Diessenhofen 15.07.2008 16-44-41

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Swiss crop circle detail

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Colour sketch of a spaceship creating crop circles

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Diablefaucheur

Crop circle

File:CropCircle.jpg

A crop circle in a field

A crop circle is a large geometric pattern created by the flattening of a crop such as wheat, barley, rye, maize, or rapeseed. The term was first coined in the early 1980s by Colin Andrews, a well-known researcher in the field. Crop circles have been reported worldwide, but they are most common in the United Kingdom, particularly in the county of Wiltshire.

History

The phenomenon of crop circles has been documented for centuries, with some of the earliest known references dating back to the 17th century. The so-called "Mowing-Devil" case of 1678 is often cited as an early example. However, modern crop circles began to appear in the late 20th century, with a significant increase in reports during the 1970s and 1980s.

Characteristics

Crop circles vary in size and complexity, ranging from simple circular patterns to intricate designs that span hundreds of feet. They are typically created overnight, leading to speculation about their origins. The patterns are often symmetrical and can include a variety of shapes such as circles, triangles, and more complex geometric forms.

Theories and Explanations

Several theories have been proposed to explain the origin of crop circles:

• Human-Made Hoaxes: Many crop circles have been proven to be the work of human pranksters. In 1991, Doug Bower and Dave Chorley claimed responsibility for many of the crop circles in England, demonstrating how they created the patterns using simple tools like planks, ropes, and wire.

• Natural Phenomena: Some researchers suggest that natural phenomena such as wind patterns, earth energy, or animal activity could be responsible for the creation of crop circles.

• Extraterrestrial Activity: A popular theory among some enthusiasts is that crop circles are created by extraterrestrial beings or UFOs. This theory is often supported by anecdotal evidence and eyewitness accounts of strange lights or objects in the sky near crop circle sites.

Scientific Research

Scientific research into crop circles has been limited, but some studies have been conducted to analyze the physical and chemical properties of the affected crops. These studies have found anomalies such as elongated nodes and expulsion cavities in the plants, which some researchers argue could not be caused by simple mechanical flattening.

Cultural Impact

Crop circles have had a significant impact on popular culture, inspiring books, movies, and television shows. They have also become a tourist attraction, particularly in areas where they frequently appear. The phenomenon has sparked interest in various fields, including ufology, paranormal research, and art.

Related Pages

• Ufology
• Paranormal
• Wiltshire
• Extraterrestrial life
• Geometric patterns

See Also

• Doug Bower
• Dave Chorley
• Mowing-Devil
• Earth energy